Podcasts by Category
A weekly one-hour conversation with guest experts and callers about travel, cultures, people, and the things we find around the world that give life its extra sparkle. Rick Steves is America's leading authority on travel to Europe and beyond. Host and writer of over a hundred public television travel shows and author of 30 best-selling guidebooks, Rick now brings his passion for exploring and understanding our world to public radio. Related travel information and message boards on www.ricksteves.com
- 959 - 367a Driving in Europe; Getting Around Ireland; Exploring Provence
A pair of tour-bus drivers offer their expert tips on what to expect when navigating the highways of Europe. Then we discuss ideas for exploring two of Europe's most scenic regions: the lush Irish countryside and the floral landscapes and villages of southern France — and pop into a Dublin pub for a wee sing-along.
Sat, 11 May 2024 - 52min - 958 - 753 German Views; Mudlarking the Thames
A German journalist shares some timely thoughts on what his fellow citizens find appealing about America, as well as his insights into the intriguing differences between our two societies. Then a London "mudlarker" who searches the River Thames at low tide for buried objects describes how discarded items can connect us with life in the Victorian era, and even as far back as Roman times.
Sat, 04 May 2024 - 52min - 957 - 752 Amsterdam Canals; The Last Island; Coimbra
A Dutch guide invites us to imagine a day on the water exploring Amsterdam's iconic canals. Then a historian shares what little we know of the elusive Sentinelese — likely the most isolated, least contacted people on earth — and what he learned by traveling to nearby islands in the Bay of Bengal. And a tour guide from Portugal tells us why the venerable university of town of Coimbra is such a delight to explore.
Sat, 27 Apr 2024 - 52min - 956 - 751 Eyewitness to Climate Change; Endangered Eating; Shakespeare in Stratford and South Sudan
Celebrate Earth Day by considering the ways you can address climate change at home, with practical advice from a scientist who's seen its effects around the world. Then hear from a culinary historian about the crops, farm animals, and agricultural traditions that we risk losing in America. And mark Shakespeare's birthday by learning how his works have played a key role in shaping Africa's newest nation and by getting tips for enjoying a visit to his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 - 52min - 955 - 591a Polynesian Explorers; Northern Greece; Greek to Me
We admire the seafaring prowess of the Polynesians and hear how a cultural faux pas led to Captain James Cook's fateful encounter with 18th-century Hawaiians. Then tour guides from Athens and Thessaloniki recommend attractions to visit in northern Greece, and The New Yorker’s "Comma Queen," Mary Norris, explains what an appreciation for Greek language and mythology can add to your own Greek odyssey.
Sat, 13 Apr 2024 - 52min - 954 - 750 Mini Italian Lesson; Geography of Genius; Timbuktu Haircut
We learn some surprisingly useful Italian phrases from one of Italy's most popular newspaper columnists, then consider why certain places have fostered more than their share of world-changing innovations, and hear about Timbuktu's history as an important center for scholarship. Plus, we find out about the thrill of dropping in on a choir practice in small-town Wales.
Sat, 06 Apr 2024 - 52min - 953 - 749 Totally Eclipsed; Mekong Paddle Pilgrim; Strange Food
A nature filmmaker and self-proclaimed "umbraphile" shares tips for viewing the next total solar eclipse, when the moon will cast its otherworldly shadow on a narrow band across North America on April 8 — and explains why he thinks it’s worth a trek to the totality zone. Then the "Paddle Pilgrim" returns to tell us about the unexpected challenges along his month-long Southeast Asian adventure kayaking down the Mekong River, where he was forced to learn to "linger with the lotus." And Cecily Wong from Atlas Obscura describes some of the strangest potions and fermented foods concocted before the era of refrigeration.
Sat, 30 Mar 2024 - 52min - 952 - 748 Quirky Oslo; Last Empty Places; Herbal
An American expat in Oslo shares some of the quirks and customs of life in his adopted home. Then, a wilderness and history author recounts what he found exploring four blank spots on the US map. And an ethnobotanist describes the healing properties of different kinds of herbs around the world — some of which might be growing in your own backyard.
Sat, 23 Mar 2024 - 52min - 951 - 597a Dublin Walk; The Immortal Irishman; Aran Islands
In this all-Irish hour, tour guides describe some of the intriguing sights you'd encounter on a walking tour of Dublin and explain why the rugged Aran Islands, off Ireland's west coast, are such an exciting place to explore Irish traditions. And author Timothy Egan delves into the legacy of 19th-century America's most famous Irish immigrant.
Sat, 16 Mar 2024 - 52min - 950 - 746 Goodbye Eastern Europe; The Long Field in WalesSat, 02 Mar 2024 - 52min
- 949 - 747 Ireland in 100 Objects; Midlife Michelangelo; Language City New York
A columnist for the Irish Times describes some of the historical objects so cherished by his compatriots that they're considered key to Ireland's national identity, and tells us where you can see them on display. Then we take a closer look at the life of Michelangelo and the midlife mess that threatened to derail him from creating many of the world's most treasured works of art. And we learn about the many languages spoken in New York City that are on the brink of disappearing — and the efforts to preserve their unique vocabulary and sounds.
Sat, 09 Mar 2024 - 52min - 948 - 641a Finding Europe in America; Cruise Ship Nightmare; Iceland Backcountry
Get ideas and tips from TV host Samantha Brown for finding little corners of Europe in the New World, then hear an author's dramatic firsthand account of a near catastrophe on a cruise ship caught powerless in a freak winter storm off the coast of Norway. And a tour guide takes us to the wild, windy, and wonder-inspiring backcountry of Iceland.
Sat, 24 Feb 2024 - 52min - 947 - 745 Orkney Living; Walkable European Cities; Nomads of Europe
Hear what it's like to live on one of the windswept Orkney Islands off the northern tip of Scotland, where people have lived since before recorded history. Then learn how redesigned traffic patterns in Europe have had a positive impact on quality of life — and get ideas for making your own city a more enjoyable place to be outdoors. Plus, a historian examines the underappreciated role of nomadic societies and their struggles in the modern world.
Sat, 17 Feb 2024 - 52min - 946 - 744 Falling for Saturn; Heart of Martin Sheen; Florentine Favorites
Astronomer Philip Plait — who fell in love with Saturn after first viewing the gas giant, with its mesmerizing rings and moons, through a telescope as a child — shares some of the amazing discoveries we've made about the planet in recent years. Then actor Martin Sheen describes how his travels in the developing world have opened his eyes, and his heart, to the needs of others. And a Florence-based tour guide and culinary expert lets us in on where to find the best food in her adopted home.
Sat, 10 Feb 2024 - 52min - 945 - 743 Happens in Vegas; Morocco's Sahara
The most popular storyteller of our time, author James Patterson, shares insights from the people who work behind the scenes to turn Las Vegas into America's ultimate fantasy destination. And a Morocco-based tour guide recommends letting yourself be amazed by the night sky in the Sahara Desert, a view that's guided travelers for millennia.
Sat, 03 Feb 2024 - 52min - 944 - 742 Sharks; Beyond Havana; Pompeii
A deep-sea diving instructor from Australia explains why he's not afraid of sharks — well, most of them. Then a Cuba travel expert looks at the places and experiences you can explore beyond Havana, as well the rules that govern travel to Cuba for US travelers. And a guide from Italy helps us step into a day in the first century, frozen in time, at the ruins of Pompeii on the slope of Mount Vesuvius.
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 - 52min - 943 - 595a The Story of Spanish; First Timer's SpainSat, 20 Jan 2024 - 52min
- 942 - 741 Visiting Vienna; Visiting Bosnia; Athens Acropolis
Get tips for enjoying elegant, easily navigated Vienna, Austria's capital and the epicenter of a once-mighty empire. Then hear a Bosnian describe what his country, a generation after its infamous war, has to teach us about getting along with our neighbors — and why the nation is now blossoming as a travel destination. And get acquainted with the fascinating ancient structures atop Athens' Acropolis.
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 - 52min - 941 - 740 Cruising the Nile; Paradise on Earth; Lost Pianos of Siberia
A tour specialist from Cairo explains how you can cruise through five thousand years of history on the Nile River in Egypt. Author Pico Iyer suggests paradise on earth might be in some of the most unexpected places. He tells us about his sojourns from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka to experience what South Asia had to show him. And hear how Sophy Roberts searched for the historic "lost pianos of Siberia," and what she actually found.
Sat, 06 Jan 2024 - 52min - 940 - 739 Travel Like a Diplomat; Making a Difference; German Pop
Get some travel advice from the former U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria, who recommends his favorite vacation getaways in the Balkans. Then listen in as a climate scientist describes the efforts that have worked — and some that haven't — in combatting the pollution that causes climate change…and what you can do now to make a difference. And hear how Germany's pop music has evolved to reflect a half century of intense cultural transformation.
Sat, 30 Dec 2023 - 52min - 939 - 738 Christmastime in Bavaria, Croatia, Sweden, Rome, Sardinia, Costa Rica, Amsterdam
Brighten your holidays with an international perspective on Christmas celebrations: Learn about Europe's Old World holiday traditions, and meet some of Santa's cousins, as some of Rick's friends drop by to discuss the sometimes sublime, often quirky ways they observe the season in Bavaria, Sardinia, Croatia, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Rome. And get a taste of a tropical Christmas in Costa Rica.
Sat, 23 Dec 2023 - 52min - 938 - 587a Cod in Portugal; Eating in Naples; Dingle Bells; Christmas TravelsSat, 16 Dec 2023 - 52min
- 937 - 737 A History of Modern Ireland; Following Caesar
A columnist for the Irish Times discusses the dramatic recent changes in public opinion and attitude in Republic of Ireland, and how he's seen it become a modern, progressive nation over his lifetime. And a journalist from Utah tells us how to find some of the roadways the ancient Romans built to connect outposts of their empire — all the way to Istanbul.
Sat, 09 Dec 2023 - 52min - 936 - 736 The Swiss; Sightseer's Guide to the Solar System; Winter in Anchorage
A former US ambassador to Switzerland shares her insights into what makes the Swiss tick — and what their society gets right. Then an astronomer helps us imagine what sort of views we'd enjoy if we could travel to planets in our solar system. And a guidebook author from Anchorage tells us why south-central Alaska can be a fun place for a winter visit.
Sat, 02 Dec 2023 - 52min - 935 - 630a Portugal's Art and Architecture; Breakfast With Polygamists; Jack London's Yukon
Tour guides from Lisbon paint audio pictures of the vivid art that colors the streets of Portugal, then a journalist and former diplomat tells of how curiosity led him to meet with healers in the jungles of Nicaragua and Belize. And travel writer Richard Grant explains how a particularly bitter Yukon winter in Dawson City inspired Jack London to write one of his most famous tales of the North. Plus, Rick's in-house art expert gives us a close-up appreciation of Leonardo's Mona Lisa.
Sat, 25 Nov 2023 - 52min - 934 - 735 American Thanksgiving; Feeding the World; Tom Miller; German Sausages
A culinary historian tells us what's traditionally been on the Thanksgiving table over the years. The head of the World Food Program USA updates us on the work that goes into feeding the world's most impoverished communities. Also, we remember Tucson-based travel writer Tom Miller. And we get a taste of the variety of sausages people enjoy year-round in Germany.
Sat, 18 Nov 2023 - 52min - 933 - 734 Saving Europe's Art; Overlooked Cuisines of Italy; Belgian Treats
Hear about the risks and heroism it took to protect Europe's art treasures during World War II. Then vicariously eat your way through four of Italy's lesser-known regions — where specialties include elaborate seafood stews, spreadable salamis, and some of the world's best sheep's-milk cheeses — with Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin. And listen in as two Belgians discuss the hearty comfort food of their homeland.
Sat, 11 Nov 2023 - 52min - 932 - 733 Walls Around the World; Tourism in Spain; Tecumseh
A Jerusalem-raised Palestinian tour operator explains how he works to reconcile divided communities — in his home country, and far beyond. Then two Spanish tour guides consider what makes their country one of the world's most popular destinations among tourists, and what they want visitors to experience there. And a historian discusses the legacy of Shawnee chief Tecumseh, and why, in the early years of the US, he was so admired even by the settlers he opposed.
Sat, 04 Nov 2023 - 52min - 931 - 732 Vampires of Eastern Europe; Supernatural Ireland; Haunted Europe
At a time of year when, according to some cultures, the worlds of the living and the dead come a little closer together, a historian joins us to explain how vampire stories arose from eastern European legends of the "un-dead." Then Irish writer Fintan O'Toole describes the role of the supernatural in Celtic traditions and in more recent Irish literature. And listeners describe eerie encounters they've experienced while traveling in Europe.
Sat, 28 Oct 2023 - 52min - 930 - 731 Hiking Iceland; Disappearing Asia; England Journeys & Slang
A creative-writing professor discusses Icelandic mythology, as told in the Viking-inspired sagas — and how a summer backpacking trek around the island nation helped him understand the role these tales play in Iceland's modern-day culture. Then futurist and Wired founder Kevin Kelly looks back on his journeys to document, over nearly 50 years, many of the traditions and features now quickly vanishing across Asia. And experts share advice for fall travels to England's gardens and stone circles, and for understanding British slang.
Sat, 21 Oct 2023 - 52min - 929 - 619a Paprika; Silver Sword and Stone; Galicia
Tour guides from Hungary discuss their country's love of paprika and set us straight on what makes for good goulash. Then the literary director of the Library of Congress and bicultural author Marie Arana examines the cultural divide between the US and Latin America, and explains its thousand-year-old historical roots. And we learn why the lesser-known region of Galicia, in Spain's northwest corner, is where Spaniards go to escape from heat (and tourist crowds).
Sat, 14 Oct 2023 - 52min - 928 - 730 Wandering Indonesia; Italian Lessons; Czech Towns
Get a sneak peek at some of the surprises you might encounter when exploring one or more of Indonesia's 13,000 islands. Then hear from a journalist about how his fellow Italians pulled together — with a uniquely Italian spirit — to cope with the earliest days of the Covid pandemic. And pick up tips for visiting some of the Czech Republic's most intriguing historic locations beyond Prague.
Sat, 07 Oct 2023 - 52min - 927 - 729 A Pilot's View; Cuba 2023; Traveling Again, Part 2
Commercial pilot and very frequent flier Mark Vanhoenacker shares stories from his many brief excursions to cities around the world. Then Cuba travel expert Christopher P. Baker discusses how the island has been faring since the pandemic shut down its tourism industry and relays the latest on government requirements for Americans interested in visiting. And Rick hears from more listeners who've been resuming — and adjusting — their international adventures post-pandemic.
Sat, 30 Sep 2023 - 52min - 926 - 728 Beyond New Orleans; View from Germany; Traveling Again, Part 1
Take a look at the historical attractions of southeast Louisiana that are easy day trips from New Orleans. Listen in to a German journalist comparing how his fellow Germans approach contemporary political and social issues versus the polarizing ways many Americans react to hot-button issues. Plus, hear listeners share tales of how they've been able to get back to traveling again since pandemic restrictions were lifted.
Sat, 23 Sep 2023 - 52min - 925 - 610a London Layover; Tower of London; London Day Trips
Get tips for making the most of a long layover in Heathrow Airport with a quick visit into central London. Then meet the Tower of London's "Ravenmaster": the Yeoman Warder tasked with guarding a thousand years of British history. And hear about several celebrated spots in the English countryside that you can enjoy as fun, easy day trips from London.
Sat, 16 Sep 2023 - 52min - 924 - 727 Enjoying Venice; History of Rome in 12 Buildings; Michelangelo's Rome
Two local guides working in Venice recommend their favorite ways to find serenity in the "most serene" of cities, despite its often overwhelming tourist crowds. Then Rick chats with author Phillip Barlag about a dozen buildings and plazas in Rome that offer particularly fascinating insights into the city's rich history. And author Angela Nickerson helps us imagine Rome during the Renaissance, when it was the setting for many of Michelangelo's masterpieces.
Sat, 09 Sep 2023 - 52min - 923 - 726 Orkney Vikings; Favorite American Cities; Chopin's Piano
Consider your options for encountering the thousand-year-old culture of the Vikings on a visit to Scotland's Orkney Islands. Then listen in as a frequent domestic traveler explains why he believes that visiting all 50 states is a worthy endeavor for all Americans — not merely for fun but as a powerful way to overcome political division. And hear about Frédéric Chopin's struggles with a clunky piano on a Spanish island, where he still managed to compose pieces that changed how the world listens to music.
Sat, 02 Sep 2023 - 52min - 922 - 725 Crystal Bridges; Route 66 Kicks; Amsterdam By Bike
The director of the new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art tells us how a small city in Arkansas became home to a major art museum. Then author Rick Antonson describes how motoring west along the legendary Route 66 can reveal easily overlooked slices of Middle America. Plus, a Dutch tour guide discusses Amsterdam's reliance on bicycles — and what visitors should know before jumping into the bike lane.
Sat, 26 Aug 2023 - 52min - 921 - 724 Tangier; Costa Rica's Pura Vida; Lingo of Europe
Guidebook authors from Morocco and Costa Rica explain why Tangier serves as a handy entry point into Morocco, discuss the meaning of "pura vida" in the tropical abundance of Costa Rica — and tell their story of an overseas trip that led them to fall in love and make a new life for themselves. And a Dutch linguist advocates for learning more about the evolution of Europe's languages as a fun way for travelers to deepen their cultural experiences.
Sat, 19 Aug 2023 - 52min - 920 - 366b Correspondent in India; World of Madhur Jaffrey; Chaos, Italian Style
BBC reporter Nick Bryant gives us a personal look at India as he discusses what he learned about its society while he was stationed in New Delhi. Then Indian-born actress Madhur Jaffrey shares childhood memories from the last days of British colonialism. Plus, friends from Italy tell Rick how they cope with their country's everyday chaos and offer tips for handling surprises you may encounter on your Italian travels.
Sat, 12 Aug 2023 - 52min - 919 - 723 Fragile Countries; Hiking with Children; Exploring Romania
A journalist explains why she travels to countries that most people would have a good reason to avoid. Then an alpine guide discusses why she enjoys exploring Europe's historic hiking trails with her young children in tow. And a tour guide discusses what he enjoys most about Romania's less-traveled Old World scene.
Sat, 05 Aug 2023 - 52min - 918 - 722 Mid-American Feast; Ambassador's Guide to Switzerland; Diver's Guide to the World
A creative-writing instructor with an appetite for American comfort food describes some of his favorite quintessentially Midwestern dishes, and a former US ambassador lets us in on some of Switzerland's most enjoyable urban festivals and experiences. Then diving experts invite us to imagine the beauty of the underwater world as they explain what motivates them to explore beneath — and above — the surface of warm- and cold-water destinations around the world.
Sat, 29 Jul 2023 - 52min - 917 - 260b Western Whitewater Adventures; A Readers Grand Tour; Tapas in SpainSat, 22 Jul 2023 - 52min
- 916 - 721 The French; Hidden Gardens in ParisSat, 15 Jul 2023 - 52min
- 915 - 720 Ceramic Arts of Portugal; Poland 2023; Nomads
Learn how colorful ceramic tiles have long been an important part of the scene in Portugal. Get recommendations from Cameron Hewitt, Rick's senior researcher, on elegant and soulful Polish cities, some of Europe's best-kept secrets. Hear from Author Anthony Sattin about how nomads have have shaped civilization over the centuries.
Sat, 08 Jul 2023 - 52min - 914 - 719 Rocky Mountaineer; Gulf Islands BC; Global Perspective; Piecing Together AmericaSat, 01 Jul 2023 - 52min
- 913 - 616a Zagreb; Natchez; Leave Only Footprints
Hear how Croatia's capital city Zagreb is a hidden gem of Central Europe, a respite from the tourist crowds of other more-famous cities. Listen in as author Richard Grant tells us why Natchez is called the quirkiest town in Mississippi. Plus, find out from TV reporter Conor Knighton about visiting each one of the U.S. National Parks in a year.
Sat, 24 Jun 2023 - 52min - 912 - 718 Pastas You Should Know; In Sardinia; Gelato
Italian food expert Fred Plotkin describes some of the unusual varieties of pasta that you can find in Italy — and the reason behind their different shapes. Historian Jeff Biggers explores the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where sites dating back to the Bronze Age are found across the island. And tour guides from Tuscany and Sicily bring us the scoop on how to find the best gelato in Italy.
Sat, 17 Jun 2023 - 52min - 911 - 717 Bill Bryson At Home; Pico Iyer In Search of Paradise; Walkable Cities
Author Bill Bryson describes how buying an old house in England has made him appreciate how dramatically domestic life has changed in just a few generations. Then writer Pico Iyer explains why visiting difficult destinations can shed light on where — or what — "paradise" might be. And urban planner Jeff Speck celebrates some of the North American cities that are catching up with their European cousins in designing pedestrian-friendly streetscapes.
Sat, 10 Jun 2023 - 52min - 910 - 716 Roman England; Ottoman Turkey; Crossing Boundaries
Join us as we travel back in time to Roman England to consider what remains today from 400 years of Roman rule in Britain. Then hear about the most spectacular sites in Turkey to revel in the rich 600-year history of the Ottoman Empire. And listen in as a Palestinian raised in Jerusalem shares his hard-earned lessons for getting past polarization within one's own divided society.
Sat, 03 Jun 2023 - 52min - 909 - 612a Inland West Coast Roadtrips; Making Scottish Music; Oddball English Festivals
Get tips for discovering the delightful bits of Americana that await along the scenic inland back roads of California and the Pacific Northwest. Then listen in on a special in-studio concert with folk musicians Jim and Susie Malcolm as they explore the musical traditions of Scotland. And hear about some of the quirkier festivals you can visit in England.
Sat, 27 May 2023 - 52min - 908 - 715 San Juan Islands; Martin Sheen’s Travels; Imagine a City
Hear about the "personalities" that differentiate the biggest of the San Juan Islands, which cluster in the northwest corner of Washington State. Then listen in as actor Martin Sheen describes how his experiences filming overseas have come to influence his political activism. And get a professional intercontinental pilot's perspective on travel and lifelong wanderlust.
Sat, 20 May 2023 - 52min - 907 - 714 Uniquely Georgian; Amsterdam 2023; Puzzle of Polynesia
Hear about the natural beauty and rich culture that await visitors in the Republic of Georgia, where Europe meets Asia. Then get an update on the travel scene in Amsterdam, where recent regulations attempt to minimize the impact of "nuisance tourists," and a renovated riverfront has become a pleasant place to escape the often crowded city center. And learn how early Polynesian navigators managed to populate the most far-flung islands on earth.
Sat, 13 May 2023 - 52min - 906 - 713 The Way of Saint James; Rewilding Europe
Actors Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez relive their experience filming a movie about walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and describe how a pilgrimage hike with strangers can be an effective antidote to years of pandemic isolation. Plus ecologist and filmmaker Chris Morgan tells us about recent successes in reintroducing certain wildlife species to wilderness areas in Europe.
Sat, 06 May 2023 - 52min - 905 - 410b Marrying an American; Flatlands; Sightseeing Communist History
Hear what kind of cross-cultural issues emerge when Europeans marry Americans, then listen in as we discuss the allure of a road trip around America's Great Plains, where unobstructed views make the sky seem closer. And get tips on the best places to visit in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic for a sense of life behind the Iron Curtain, now a generation in the past.
Sat, 29 Apr 2023 - 52min - 904 - 712 Party of Trees; Vanishing Asia; Living with Caribou
Journalist Zach Saint George describes the slow-motion migration of several North American tree species seeking to evade environmental threats. Then Wired founder Kevin Kelly lets us in on a massive photography project to document traditions disappearing across a quickly modernizing Asia. And writer Seth Kantner explains what he loves about living off the land near the Arctic Circle, in the wide-open spaces of northwest Alaska.
Sat, 22 Apr 2023 - 52min - 903 - 711 Greek Godmother; Favorite Athens Neighborhoods; Appreciating Islam; Tibetan Prayer Flags
Hear about the importance of extended family in Greece, where the honor of being named a godmother comes with real responsibilities, and learn about some of Athens' most interesting neighborhoods — many of which are enjoying an exciting new vitality. Then listen in as an Arab-American Peace Corps veteran describes what he's come to admire about the Islamic religion of many of his friends. And consider the meaning of Tibetan prayer flags, and hear how to properly display them.
Sat, 15 Apr 2023 - 52min - 902 - 710 Saints of Italy; Pilgrim Trails; Holy Bones
Get to know some of the most notable of Italy's many patron saints, and why they remain important to so many. Then hear what journalist Tim Egan spent his time contemplating on his walk along the medieval Via Francigena — the pilgrimage path from Canterbury to Rome. And learn about the role of relics in many religious traditions, and why, for centuries, millions of faithful have journeyed for a first-hand encounter with them.
Sat, 08 Apr 2023 - 52min - 901 - 709 America’s Favorite City Parks; Europe’s Great Trails; Egypt 2023
Learn about the thoughtful design behind America's elegant city parks of the 19th century, which continue to provide green space for millions of urban dwellers, then get some tips for exploring Europe on one of its long-distance hiking trails. And hear about the massive archaeology museum, built to display a vast collection of ancient Egyptian riches, that's set to open in Giza later this year.
Sat, 01 Apr 2023 - 52min - 900 - 607a Bridges and Little Museums of Paris; Burgundy
We'll take an up-close look at some of Paris' most beautiful bridges as well as its most intriguing specialty museums and galleries, where you can escape the crowds — and are sure to discover something new in this always-surprising city. Then we'll head south to savor the relaxingly rural, yet assuredly sophisticated charms of Burgundy.
Sat, 25 Mar 2023 - 52min - 899 - 708 Favorite Tours in Ireland; Celtic Middle Earth; Ireland’s South Coast
Hear about how a locally operated tour can add depth and conviviality to your next trip to the Emerald Isle, then learn about the sophisticated ways ancient Celts mapped out their pre-Roman world. And get tips for exploring scenic West Cork — an untamed alternative to the tourist-trodden Ring of Kerry — and other highlights of Ireland's south coast.
Sat, 18 Mar 2023 - 52min - 898 - 707 Islands of Britain; Italy for Food Lovers; Flavors of Florence
English actor Martin Clunes recommends some of his favorite smaller British isles among the many he visited while filming a travel documentary. Then Rick checks in with Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin to celebrate the completion of their new guide to Italy's regional cuisine. And a Florence-based tour guide lets us in on her favorite food and wine shops for showing off her city's culinary delights.
Sat, 11 Mar 2023 - 52min - 897 - 706 Budapest Riverwalk; Megalithic Orkney; Travel Kindness
We'll take an audio stroll along the Danube waterfront in elegant, Old World Budapest, then contemplate the prehistoric stones that stand amid the stark beauty of Scotland's remote Orkney Islands. And listeners share their most memorable instances of a stranger's kindness changing an overseas trip for the better.
Sat, 04 Mar 2023 - 52min - 896 - 515a Artists of Spain; Being Welsh; Being Bosnian
We look at the top sites where you can experience firsthand the groundbreaking contributions of Spain's greatest artists. Then tour guides from Wales and Bosnia share the facets of their nationalities that mean most to them — such as the Welsh fortitude for enduring the blustery climate that produces such beautiful landscapes, and Bosnians' knack for using humor to defuse the thornier aspects of life in the Balkans.
Sat, 25 Feb 2023 - 52min - 895 - 705 Basque and Balkan Carnival; Sicilians; World Lit
Hear how ancient pagan traditions spice up carnival season in the Basque Country and the Balkans — two regions that celebrate the days preceding Ash Wednesday with raucous festivals. Then get two Sicilians' take on what sets Sicily's island culture apart from the rest of Italy. And consider your next armchair journey as Harvard professor David Damrosch recommends authors whose works can transport you to China, Japan, Iran, Brazil, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Sat, 18 Feb 2023 - 52min - 894 - 704 Casanova's Venice; China 2023
Historian Laurence Bergreen takes us to 18th-century Venice — the time of Casanova, when this "Most Serene Republic" had become the Sin City of Europe. And the head of the Young China Group think tank lets us in on what he wishes Americans knew about today's China and what he expects to see as it emerges from the pandemic, and explains the key challenges it's facing in our changing world.
Sat, 11 Feb 2023 - 52min - 893 - 703 Yucatan Holiday; Ambassador to Switzerland; Finding Atlantis
Author Mark Adams reveals four possible Mediterranean locations where the legendary lost city of Atlantis could have been. The former U-S Ambassador to Switzerland tells us what it's like representing American interests in a country known for its neutrality. Plus, a longtime resident of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula describes what to look for when you venture out beyond Cancun.
Sat, 04 Feb 2023 - 52min - 892 - 582a Istria; Wee County Louth; Tides
Explore two of Europe's less-crowded scenic peninsulas! Rick visits with local tour guides from Pula, on Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, and from Ireland's Cooley Peninsula, an hour north of Dublin in County Louth. Plus marine conservationist Jonathan White explains what he's discovered about the power of the tides around the world — and how they affect you, even if you don't live near the shore.
Sat, 28 Jan 2023 - 52min - 891 - 702 Touring Bath; Joy of Travel Writing; Ghost Dance in Berlin
Soak in the history and the splendor of Bath, where Georgian architecture and mineral waters make it one of England's most attractive cities. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when a travel writer researches guidebooks. And hear how Peter Wortsman's Jewish heritage forces him to grapple with some powerful ghosts from the past in Berlin.
Sat, 21 Jan 2023 - 52min - 890 - 701 The US Civil Rights Trail; Wild Arctic Svalbard
Hear how the US Civil Rights Trail, with 100 stops across 14 states, was organized to help all Americans get an up-close look at the movement to dismantle Jim Crow laws across the South. And listen in as ecologist Chris Morgan describes changes he's observed on Norway's Svalbard archipelago — halfway between the mainland and the North Pole — which indicate how our warming climate is a threat to life in the Arctic.
Sat, 14 Jan 2023 - 52min - 889 - 700 Pleasures of Mexico City; Why We Travel; Classical Music in Europe
A tour guide from Mexico City describes some of the most pleasant surprises he enjoys sharing about his adopted home. Then the author of the "Thousand Places to See Before You Die" series explains why culture shock can be the highlight of your next overseas vacation. And a young orchestra conductor describes some of his favorite European venues for enjoying a classical-music concert.
Sat, 07 Jan 2023 - 52min - 888 - 699 New Year's Traditions; New Orleans Originals; David McCullough Tribute
Consider new ideas for greeting the new year by learning about some of the unusual traditions — and a few superstitions — with which Swedes, Croats, Scots, and the Welsh celebrate this time of year. Then hear about the multicultural food and music that enliven the streets of New Orleans' neighborhoods. And join us as we remember the late historian David McCullough with a look back at his examination of how the Wright Brothers changed the way we see the world.
Sat, 31 Dec 2022 - 52min - 887 - 548b German Christmas Markets; Christmas in Madrid, Sicily, Ireland, HebridesSat, 24 Dec 2022 - 52min
- 886 - 698 Ready for Christmas Near and Far; Wassailing
In the first of two holiday-themed shows, Rick's guests recall their childhood Christmases in the Netherlands, Italy, and New Mexico. Then more friends join us to describe what you're likely to find this time of year in Austria, Australia, Japan...and Antarctica. Plus, we'll hear about how the English tradition of "wassailing" developed as a way to guarantee a good apple harvest — or at least an occasion to enjoy a warm drink with neighbors.
Sat, 17 Dec 2022 - 52min - 885 - 697 Sacred Paris; Raising a Family in France; A Place in the World
Author Susan Cahill recommends some of the most magnificent religious architecture to explore in Paris, then an American who married a Frenchman describes her experiences raising three young children in a small town outside Paris. And writer Frances Mayes, who lives in both Tuscany and North Carolina, discusses just what makes a place feel like home.
Sat, 10 Dec 2022 - 52min - 884 - 696 For the Love of Guidebooks; The Gulf; Greatest Art In Europe
We look at the must-see paintings, sculptures and historic edifices across Europe. University of Florida professor Jack E. Davis notes the many roles the Gulf of Mexico has played over the years, and why it's important to understand its ecology. And we'll look at the role of guidebooks, and what can make one worth reading, a hundred years after it's been published.
Sat, 03 Dec 2022 - 52min - 883 - 695 Belgium Pride; Favorite Gardens; Arctic Trails
A native-born Belgian shares what delights him most about his small, but justifiably proud country. Then author Catie Marron recommends some of her favorite gardens around the world — plus the most enticing ones she's yet to visit. And author Seth Kantner, who was raised way off the grid in northwest Alaska, alerts us to the increasing threats to the people and wildlife of the Alaskan Arctic.
Sat, 26 Nov 2022 - 52min - 882 - 584a My Town; Lidia's Flavors of Italy; Wine Educator
Listeners tell us what makes their hometowns feel special, then the host of the TV show Lidia's Italy describes the remarkable diversity among the regional cuisines of Italy — and how each naturally features whatever's particularly delicious from a given area. Then a Madrid-based wine expert shares tips for food pairings and fully enjoying what you're drinking.
Sat, 19 Nov 2022 - 52min - 881 - 694 Highlands of Scotland; Art of Spain; Sweet Home AlabamaSat, 12 Nov 2022 - 52min
- 880 - 453a Rome Neighborhoods; Crazy Rides; Ex-Yugoslavia
Get tips for how to "do as the Romans do" in Rome's modern-day neighborhoods. Hear about the travel writer Will Hide's latest crazy rides, from cycling across the hills of Rwanda to driving what might be the world's "most dangerous road" up from Delhi into the Himalayas. Plus listen in as guides from Slovenia and Bosnia take listener calls to help plan fun trips to the countries of the former Yugoslavia.
Sat, 05 Nov 2022 - 52min - 879 - 693 Dracula’s Romania; Spooky New Orleans; Mary Morris in IndiaSat, 29 Oct 2022 - 52min
- 878 - 586a Travel Writers Travels; Autumn Light in Japan; Swedish ValuesSat, 22 Oct 2022 - 52min
- 877 - 692 Making the Art of Europe; 20 Years of Ireland; Experiencing Austria
Get a taste of Austria beyond the usual tourist sites in Vienna and Salzburg, where farmstays and festivals can make you want to wear lederhosen for a day. Rick's right-hand man on all things Ireland shares what he's liked most about researching guidebooks and leading tours in the Emerald Isle for the last 20 years. And Rick's TV producer shares tales from behind the scenes on their two-year-long filming project on the greatest art in Europe.
Sat, 15 Oct 2022 - 52min - 876 - 691 Climate Change Watch; The Art of Rome; Seeing the Ancient World
Learn to see Rome — the way the ancient Romans did — as the opulent and innovative city that gave Europe a common culture. Look closer at the even more-ancient worlds of the Greeks and Egyptians, and what their antiquities can tell us about their lives. And find out what's being done to protect important cultural sites today from the ravages of the world's changing climate.
Sat, 08 Oct 2022 - 52min - 875 - 690 Hamburg; The Art of Europe; Extreme Sports
Find out why Germany's "second city," the industrial northern port of Hamburg, is a favorite getaway among Germans. Then get the inside scoop on Rick's new TV series, which explores the backstories of Europe's greatest artworks. And consider what drives some death-defying athletes to go all-in for "extreme sports."
Sat, 01 Oct 2022 - 52min - 874 - 578a Walking Ljubljana; Munich and Bavaria; Wild Animals
The co-author of Rick's Eastern Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the laid-back charms of Slovenia's capital. Then a tour guide from Munich shares tips for becoming a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest — which is back on after a two-year pandemic hiatus. And an adventure traveler explains why even the creepiest critters deserve a little respect.
Sat, 24 Sep 2022 - 52min - 873 - 689 Ambassador to Bulgaria; Senior Nomads 2022; Himalaya Hike
Diplomat and former ambassador Eric Rubin gives us a look at how the foreign service works on behalf of American interests in Bulgaria. Then "Senior Nomads" Michael and Debbie Campbell update us on their pandemic-era global travels. And artist and author Sylvia Verange reflects on her hiking journey across the Himalaya Mountains and how it's affected her life in the decades since.
Sat, 17 Sep 2022 - 52min - 872 - 688 Maeve Higgins’ County Cork; Southwest England; Glasgow Cool
Humorist Maeve Higgins recommends places to visit in her home turf of Ireland's County Cork. Then tour guides from southwest England share their expert advice on where best to enjoy the coastal beauty of Cornwall and Devon — and the tourist traps to avoid. And guides from Scotland describe what makes Glasgow such a cool city to explore.
Sat, 10 Sep 2022 - 52min - 871 - 687 More California Day Trips; Olmsted Bicentennial; Celebrating Eastern Europe
Travel writer Chris Baker returns with more ideas for fun day trips from LA and San Francisco, including his home base of Palm Springs. Then historian Laurence Cotton joins us to celebrate the 200th birthday of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, whose parks and civic projects have given so many American cities a lasting natural legacy. And a Rick Steves guidebook co-author describes the colorful variety travelers can enjoy among the countries of central and eastern Europe.
Sat, 03 Sep 2022 - 52min - 870 - 579a Kerouac’s Firewatch; Erosion; USA National Parks
British travel writer Dan Richards describes his hike to the remote post in Washington's North Cascades where Jack Kerouac spent two months as a fire lookout. Then author and naturalist Terry Tempest Williams describes how the processes of erosion define the Utah desert landscape she calls home, and how understanding them can provide a helpful perspective on our civic and social territory, as well as our physical. And photographer and guidebook writer Becky Lomax shares more of her favorite experiences in America's national parks.
Sat, 27 Aug 2022 - 52min - 869 - 686 New Orleans by Foot; The Orchestra Conductor
Tour guides from New Orleans examine the historical, musical, and culinary elements that make their city one of the most exceptional places anywhere in North America. They also share their top recommendations for exploring the city and discuss the merits of a pay-what-you-like model for city walking tours. And an associate conductor with the Seattle Symphony gives us a view from the conductor's podium while describing some of his favorite US venues for reveling in live classical-music performances.
Sat, 20 Aug 2022 - 52min - 868 - 685 Joanna Lumley’s Nile Adventure; Samantha Brown’s Happy Travels
Actress Joanna Lumley details her 4,000-mile trek up the Nile River to the river's fabled source in Rwanda. Joanna shares what she learned from people she met while filming a documentary about the trip, and describes her ride to the pyramids on one very fine camel. And TV host Samantha Brown tells Rick how she keeps herself from stressing out over what could go wrong in her frequent travels.
Sat, 13 Aug 2022 - 52min - 867 - 684 Obscure Museums; Peloponnesian and Mythical Greece
Rick checks in with Dylan Thuras from Atlas Obscura to discuss a few of their favorite small, sometimes eccentric museums around the world. Then author Peter Fiennes describes some of the real sites where Greek myths were set, and how they can speak to us today. And two historian tour guides share some of their top reasons to visit the Peloponnese, the giant peninsula just an hour's drive south of Athens.
Sat, 06 Aug 2022 - 52min - 866 - 683 English Country Gardens; On Becoming a Gardener; In Praise of Wasting Time
English tour guides share their enthusiasm for enjoying the riot of color and inspiration you'll find in England's best country gardens. Then author Catie Marron explains how she designed and planted a garden as a way to feel a sense of belonging in her new home. And physicist Alan Lightman explains why it's healthy to give yourself a little unstructured time every day just for goofing off.
Sat, 30 Jul 2022 - 52min - 865 - 480b Turn Right at Machu Picchu; Lafayette in the USA; Scotch
Author Mark Adams shares what he learned about Incan history while trekking to Machu Picchu. Then author Sarah Vowell explains how Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette helped unify Americans after the contentious presidential election of 1824. And Rick checks in with tour guides from Edinburgh to get tips on visiting Scotland's whisky distilleries.
Sat, 23 Jul 2022 - 52min - 864 - 682 Europe by the Book; Berlin Day Trips; Mexico City 2022
Enjoy some of the best-ever writing on life in far-away places with a recommended reading list from a Harvard professor of comparative literature. Then get tips on the historic towns and royal retreats that are easily enjoyed as day trips from Berlin. And hear about daily life in Mexico City in 2022 from an American expat — and why he considers his new home the "capital of the 21st century."
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 - 52min - 863 - 681 French Impressionism; Perfect Week in Paris; First Timer’s LouvreSat, 09 Jul 2022 - 52min
- 862 - 680 The Last Cowboys; Perfect Day California; American Bald Eagle
New York Times reporter John Branch tells us how one family in southern Utah keeps a cowboy tradition alive at rodeos across the West. Chris Baker recommends itineraries for scenic road trips and sites to explore across California. Plus, Jack Davis pays tribute to the American bald eagle, whose recovery from the brink of extinction is an environmental success story that can inspire everyone.
Sat, 02 Jul 2022 - 52min - 861 - 529a Newfoundland Tour; Canada Day; Drink Dat New Orleans
Explore what Canada has to offer! Newfoundland's Alan Doyle recommends sights to enjoy the rugged beauty of his Atlantic island home. Comedian and author Rick Mercer shares some of his favorite places to enjoy across Canada. Plus, raise a glass to New Orleans as Elizabeth Pearce unveils how to appreciate the history of America's most "spirited city" through the kinds of cocktails it serves.
Sat, 25 Jun 2022 - 52min - 860 - 679 Nordic Roots; Dutch Towns; Bridge to Nicaragua
Hear how the characters of Nordic mythology can help you better understand the past, and how they influence the epic tales that entertain us today. Discover Dutch towns to explore beyond Amsterdam where you can view technological marvels as well as medieval charm. Also, find out how tourism in Nicaragua is trying to rebound from multiple setbacks, one rural homestay at a time.
Sat, 18 Jun 2022 - 52min
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